Pacific Coast Animal Control

Owl Box Installation

The idea of harnessing barn owls in an attempt to control rodents is not a new one. The first introduction of this species for that purpose can be traced back to 1899 when seven birds were imported from London by the Otago Acclimatization Society and liberated at West Taieri in New Zealand. Barn owls are specialized rodent hunters. They are one of the few predatory species that have the ability to regulate their clutch size in a response to eruptions in the population of their prey. When a rodent explosion occurs, barn owls are capable of producing "super clutches." The healthy condition of the female owl allows her to lay anywhere from eight to 20 eggs.

The relationship between predator and prey is always a complex one, in many cases it is not just predation that controls the prey but the behavioral adjustments required by the prey in order to co-exist with the predator. The control of rodent numbers by barn owls is not related as much to the number of rodents caught by the owls, but to the reduction of foraging freedom created by the presence and the potential threat of predation by the owls. The presence of an occupied box prevents the rodents from straying too far from shelter in its foraging endeavors. This control reduces food availability and in turn reduces population.

Barn owl projects have been implemented in many countries worldwide. The Malaysian palm grove projects were well documented in a doctorial thesis and dealt with the financial comparisons between baiting and owl boxes. Over a seven-year study it was found that 75% of the 275 owl boxes erected were utilized. The reduction in rodent damage was reduced by 62% and the use of poison practically eradicated.

P.C.A.C is committed to finding way to implement wildlife control without the use of harmful chemicals. Owl boxes are a good way of promoting environmentally safe and effective rodent control and should be looked at as a green solution to rodent control. If you have any questions regarding this or other services please call today.